Come learn how you can help opioid crisis

The opioid epidemic has become a national crisis. We are seeing it played out and affecting us even in our local communities.

Lives have been shattered because of the usage of seemingly innocent, safe prescription drugs or the lure of recreation drug usage. For many, this has turned into an addiction that cannot be shaken.

It has been in the shadows as shame, fear and despair accompany the physical cravings.

I am proud to say that the Blue Water Area is addressing this issue and making strides to deal with it. One group is the Blue Water Area Churches, which formed the Recovery Task Force, and have been meeting to discuss ways to help those who are addicted and those in recovery. Operation Transformation has been a part of this effort.

While I cannot go into all of the people and groups that are working to provide a continuum of care and provide resources to the many facets of this problem, I can say that this issue is now in the public arena and being taken seriously.

Two events are coming up to help educate people about the opioid issue.

Monday, March 26, at 7 p.m., ebw.tv will host the first ever Community Connect! You are invited go online to ebw.tv and click the “going live” button at the top to join the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office, St. Clair County Health Department, St. Clair County Community Mental Health and Region 10 as they discuss the joint effort to address opioids in the community.

The event will be streamed live on Facebook where residents are encouraged to ask questions for the panel and give feedback. This event is brought to the community in partnership and thanks to McLaren Port Huron and the St. Clair County Prescription Drug Abuse Work Group.

The second event is an informational meeting and call to action for leadership of the community and other concerned citizens.

The public is invited to hear a discussion titled “Opioids and St. Clair County: Our Community, Our Future.” It is 5:30 p.m. Thursday, April 12, at the city of Port Huron Municipal Office Center auditorium (first floor), 100 McMorran Blvd., in Port Huron.

The opioid epidemic is widespread and has not spared St. Clair County.

Not only is it killing more people than ever before, but it is affecting families, children, employers and schools. Come learn what is going on in your community, what is being done, and how you can help.

So, I encourage you to avail yourselves of these two events to be informed about the issue, and get educated on what you can do to be part of the solution.